Emergency Dentist – Topeka & Silver Lake, KS 

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

Most dental emergencies can be neatly slotted into two major categories. There are the true “accidents” that happen in the space between one second and the other, like knocking a tooth out while playing a contact sport or experiencing a serious fracture after a sudden spill down the stairs. Alternatively, there’s the dreaded toothache, which is typically caused by a gradual infection under the enamel that worsens and worsens over time until it’s unbearable.

No matter what the circumstances are, the Michel Dental team has extensive experience with all types of oral health emergencies, and we’re ready to lend a helping hand. Here’s what you can expect when you turn to us for emergency dental care:

• Schedule your appointment: Give us a call as soon as you can, even if you’re unsure if you need emergency dental care. We’ll assess your situation over the phone, give you personalized first-aid instructions, and schedule your appointment as quickly as possible.
• Your evaluation: When you reach our office, we’ll work quickly to get you out of pain and evaluate your emergency. On of our highly trained doctors will examine your mouth and take any necessary X-rays.
• Review your treatment options: Next, we’ll explain our findings to you and what treatments we recommend pursuing. We are committed to partnering with our patients and giving clear, honest recommendations, so you’ll always know the details, length, and cost of your treatment before we begin.
• Get the care you need: Then, we’ll get to work right away on preserving your teeth and repairing your smile. If you’re nervous or in a lot of pain, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while we fix up your pearly whites.

Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

Not all dental emergencies require the same level of urgency. such as a lost porcelain crown, which can be treated within normal business hours. The following are a few common non-urgent dental emergencies. If you are currently in dental pain or discomfort, we recommend leaving a message for our dentist. If you're experiencing facial swelling involving your eye or neck, we advise heading to the nearest emergency room.

Urgent Dental Emergencies

If the dental trauma happens outside of office hours, you should leave a message for our dentist. The message on the answering machine will give you instructions for how to text or leave a message for our dentist in the event of a dental emergency.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

If you have an oral health issue that needs immediate attention, time is of the utmost importance. You can’t lose valuable minutes worried about the cost of an emergency dentist in Topeka & Silver Lake. We offer the affordable solutions you need to save your tooth without breaking the bank. We strive to keep your care within your budget using personalized treatment plans.

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Every Dental Emergency is Different

There isn’t a pre-determined fee for emergency dentistry because every case differs. Several factors influence the amount you’ll pay, such as the complexity of the procedure needed. Dr. Michel will perform a thorough examination to determine which treatment suits your needs, such as:

• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extractions
• TMJ therapy
• Dental crowns

We’ll provide you with an estimate and explain the fees, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll need to pay before committing to a treatment. Rest assured, you won’t deal with any surprise fees.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Contrary to what you might have heard, many dental insurances offer coverage for emergency situations. You can use your policy to offset the amount you’ll pay, such as the consultation and imaging. Depending on the treatment necessary, you can also use your benefits to lower the amount you pay. After reaching your deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the cost until hitting your annual limit. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize your dental benefits to keep your treatment within your budget.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Besides using your dental insurance, our office offers several options, so finances won’t stand in your way of repairing your smile. Our office welcomes:

• Our Smile-Savings Plan: Joining our in-house membership provides you with valuable discounts on restorative and cosmetic treatments.
• Traditional Methods: We accept all forms of traditional payment methods, including cash, check, and most major credit cards.
• Third-Party Financing: Based on your credit approval, you are given the funds for your treatment, which you’ll repay using a plan that fits your budget.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Dental emergencies are common, but you can take several steps to lower your risk of one. Many sudden oral health issues are caused by an untreated dental problem that has been lingering in the mouth, like a cavity. In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s important to see your dentist at least twice a year to avoid common dental concerns, like tooth decay and gum disease. You can also lower your risk by keeping inedible objects out of your mouth and not using your teeth as tools.

Besides preventable issues, dental emergencies can result from trauma caused during contact sports. Many dentists see sports-related injuries that could have been avoided with an athletic mouthguard. It provides a protective barrier for your teeth and gums to lessen the likeliness of a serious oral health injury, like a broken or knocked-out tooth.

If you need an emergency dentist in Topeka & Silver Lake, contact our office today. We can save your smile without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

No two dental emergencies are the same. Every patient is different, and although some are not preventable, others can be mitigated by using the right tools and techniques. At Michel Dental, we believe in providing you with the essentials to minimize your risk for injury while at home, at the office, or even on vacation. While it won’t ever be possible to prevent dental emergencies in Topeka & Silver Lake with 100% certainty, patients and families can dramatically decrease their day-to-day risk by following these simple tips:

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Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments

Your dentist is your friend and ally in the pursuit of better oral healthcare. By keeping your six-month checkups and cleanings, you can reduce your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, halitosis, and even oral cancer. At Michel Dental, our team will carefully examine your smile for any problems or abnormalities as well as perform a professional cleaning before discussing any potential treatments that might benefit your oral health. We’ll also offer helpful tips and tricks to use at home to keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape and free of infection.

Stick to An Oral Hygiene Routine at Home

We know your life is busy, but if you want to avoid spending additional time and money at the emergency dental office in Topeka & Silver Lake, you’ll need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once before bed, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. By performing these steps regularly, you will significantly lower your risk of more problematic dental health issues and keep your natural, healthy teeth for longer.

Eat Healthy Foods

It’s no secret that sugar and carbohydrates are detrimental to your health. When consuming too much of these, your waistband will grow bigger, you’ll be at a higher risk for diabetes and obesity, and you may even begin to experience troubles sleeping. Instead of incorporating these into your daily diet, swap them out for healthier alternatives like leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. These foods will improve your gum health, strengthen tooth enamel, and help you to feel full and energetic throughout the day. Not to mention, you’ll reduce your risk for tooth decay and cavities that often occur as a result of increased sugar and starch intake.

Wear a Mouthguard

Wearing a protective and customized mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to stay out of the emergency dental office. Whether you enjoy playing sports or suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), these unique devices protect your pearly whites from sudden impact (i.e., chipped or knocked-out teeth) or excessive wear and tear. They’re also great for minimizing additional pressure placed on your jaw and facial muscles, which can lead to problems with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and chronic jaw pain.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Scissors, pliers, and other actual tools are meant to open packages and containers, not your teeth. Tooth enamel may be the hardest substance in your body, but it’s not indestructible. Applying too much pressure by using your teeth to tear open a package or pull small plastic tabs from clothes or other products will wear down your enamel and potentially cause chips or small fractures to occur over time. It’s best to leave it up to the real professionals (i.e., your tools) to complete the job.

Dental Emergency FAQ’s 

At Michel Dental, our hope is that you never have to deal with a dental emergency. But if you or a loved one ever finds yourself in pain, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. To help you manage the situation until you arrive for treatment, we’ve put together answers to several common FAQs below. But if you have other questions or need an emergency dentist in Topeka or Silver Lake, feel free to contact us anytime. With two locations and same-day appointments, we’re always here for you!